Dinamo Zagreb Leads Europa League League Phase as Fixture Clashes Heat Up
When Dinamo Zagreb topped the 2025‑26 UEFA Europa League league phase with a flawless 2‑0‑0 record, all eyes turned to the chase from FC Midtjylland and Braga. The competition, run by UEFA, pits 36 clubs against each other across a single‑table format, and the race to the final at Beşiktaş Stadium in Istanbul on 20 May 2026 has already produced drama, surprise results and a double‑matchweek that will test squad depth.
How the New League Phase Works
Introduced in the 2024‑25 season, the league phase replaces the old group stage. Each side plays eight matches – four at home, four away – against opponents drawn from three different pots. Points are awarded in the usual fashion (three for a win, one for a draw). The top eight clubs advance straight to the Round of 16, while those finishing ninth to twenty‑four drop into a playoff round that decides the remaining eight spots. Teams placed twenty‑fifth to thirty‑sixth are eliminated from European competition for the season.
Because there is only one table, goal difference can be a razor‑thin separator. That’s why Dinamo’s +4 margin is already a cushion, but a single slip could see them tumble if Midtjylland or Braga string together big wins.
Current Standings and Early Results
As of the latest matchday, the leaderboard looks like this:
- Dinamo Zagreb – 6 points, +4 GD (2‑0‑0)
- FC Midtjylland – 6 points, +3 GD (2‑0‑0)
- Braga – 6 points, +3 GD (2‑0‑0)
- Red Bull Salzburg – 0 points, –3 GD after a 2‑3 loss to Ferencváros
- Fenerbahçe – 3 points, +1 GD after a 1‑0 win over VfB Stuttgart
Matchday 3 delivered a handful of thrillers. In Bucharest, Ferencváros edged out Salzburg 3‑2 at Stadionul Rapid‑Giulești, while in Deventer Go Ahead Eagles pulled off a 2‑1 upset over Premier League side Aston Villa. A surprise came from Brann, who thumped Rangers 3‑0 in Bergen, and Celtic squeaked past Sturm Graz 2‑1 at Celtic Park.
"We knew the schedule would be tight, but the quality of opposition is extraordinary," said Milan Badelj, captain of Dinamo Zagreb, after the club’s second win. "Every point counts and we’re treating each fixture like a final."
Key Fixtures Coming Up
The calendar hits a rare double‑matchweek on 24‑25 September 2025, forcing clubs to juggle travel and recovery. Highlights include:
- Midtjylland vs. Sturm Graz in Herning (MCH Arena)
- Braga vs. Feyenoord in Braga (Estádio Municipal)
- Dinamo Zagreb vs. Fenerbahçe in Zagreb (Stadion Maksimir)
- Red Star Belgrade vs. Celtic in Belgrade (Rajko Mitić Stadium)
- Real Betis vs. Nottingham Forest in Seville (Benito Villamarín Stadium)
The following day’s slate features a showdown between Aston Villa and Bologna at Nottingham’s City Ground, and a clash of styles as Lille meets Brann in France.
For clubs juggling domestic leagues, the Thursday‑only tradition (with occasional Tuesday/Wednesday fixtures) adds a logistical twist. "We have a short turnaround after our league games, so squad rotation is key," explained Stefano Pioli, manager of AC Milan, who will face Midtjylland later in the month.
Premier League Clubs in the Mix
Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest each have eight league‑phase matches, stretching from September 2025 to January 2026. Villa’s itinerary starts with a loss to Bologna on 25 September, then a road trip to face Feyenoord in Rotterdam on 2 October, before a home date against Midtjylland on 23 October.
Forest’s path is equally packed: they open against Real Betis in Spain on 24 September, welcome Midtjylland at the City Ground on 2 October, and travel to Porto on 23 October. Both clubs will also meet Turkish side Fenerbahçe in January, a fixture that could prove decisive for those eyeing a top‑eight finish.
"European nights give our younger players a platform," said Steve Bruce, Villa’s head coach. "The temptation is to rest some stars, but the points are too valuable to gamble with."
What the Winner Gets
The champion secures a direct berth in the 2026‑27 UEFA Champions League group stage and a spot in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup against the Champions League winners. Financially, the prize pool sits at roughly €100 million, with the runner‑up earning about €55 million.
Beyond the money, the prestige of lifting the trophy at Beşiktaş Stadium – a venue that hosted the 2005 UEFA Cup final – adds a historic flavor. Istanbul’s fans are known for their passionate displays, meaning the final could be as much a cultural spectacle as a footballing climax.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Dinamo Zagreb’s early lead is fragile; Midtjylland and Braga are hot on their heels.
- The double‑matchweek on 24‑25 September will test squad depth across the board.
- Premier League sides Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have tough schedules and must balance domestic commitments.
- The ultimate prize is a Champions League slot and a Super Cup showdown in Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the new league‑phase format differ from the old group stage?
Instead of eight groups of four, all 36 clubs sit in one table and each plays eight matches against varied opponents. The top eight go straight to the Round of 16, while places 9‑24 enter a playoff to claim the remaining slots.
Which teams are most likely to finish in the top eight?
Early form points to Dinamo Zagreb, FC Midtjylland and Braga as frontrunners. Traditional powerhouses like Roma, Lyon and Feyenoord have also started strong, so the race remains open.
What does the winner earn besides the trophy?
The champion automatically qualifies for the next season’s Champions League group stage and plays in the UEFA Super Cup. UEFA also distributes roughly €100 million in prize money to the winners.
When and where is the final being played?
The final is set for Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at Beşiktaş Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey.
How will the double‑matchweek affect teams' performance?
Playing two games in consecutive days forces managers to rotate heavily. Teams with deeper squads, like Dinamo Zagreb and Midtjylland, are better positioned to maintain form, while clubs with thinner benches may suffer fatigue and drop points.
Analyzing the strategic implications of Dinamo Zagreb’s unbeaten start, one cannot ignore the evident superiority of Croatian football infrastructure, which outpaces many of its European counterparts; this advantage, coupled with a meticulous squad rotation policy, positions them as a formidable contender for the title. The nationalistic fervor surrounding their campaign further intensifies the pressure on rival clubs to match their organizational excellence, a pressure that, if unmet, may result in a profound psychological deficit.